Thessalonike

After his death and the division of the world,
Alexander’s empire was split among “the strongest,”
Those who, through skill or luck lasted the longest.
Many the lands where the flags of Macedon unfurled.
Two centuries beyond the young king’s death,
A bark was sailing on the Aegean’s blue.
The day was bright; the course was plotted true;
The sails were filled with Zephyrus’ sweet breath.

Up rose a mermaid, Thessalonike,
The transformed sister of the Emperor.
“Does Alexander live, or has he passed?”
“Alas, two hundred years his soul is free.”
A sudden storm rose up! Fierce was the roar.
The bark went down beneath her wrathful blast.